February
Trigger-happy Houthis attack ship bound for supporter Iran
The attack on the bulk carrier shows just how widely the rebels now target ships travelling through the critical Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and connecting waterways.
- Jon Gambrell
The most exciting new hotels in Greece are on these hidden islands
Greece is heading into a bumper summer for tourism. And there’s more to choose from than its popular favourites of Mykonos and Santorini.
- Sarah Rappaport
January
US fires on Houthi missile hours after Trafigura ship attack
The attack on the Marlin Luanda will raise fresh questions about whether oil tankers will continue to transit the Red Sea.
- Alex Longley, Archie Hunter and Mohammed Hatem
Blinken meets with leaders to ‘prevent the conflict from spreading’
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met Arab partners to press for their help in tamping down fears Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza could spread.
- Matthew Lee
Deaths mount as envoys vie to stop Gaza war’s spread
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, were on separate trips to the region to try to quell spillover.
- Maayan Lubell and Simon Lewis
European holidaymakers turn to cooler climes after scorching summers
The chief executive of eDreams Odigeo said climate change was ‘having an impact’ on bookings, with some customers turning to typically overlooked destinations.
- Philip Georgiadis
World revels, but wars cast shadow over New Year festivities
Midnight advanced from one time zone to the next starting with Oceania, then the rest of Asia and the Middle East, followed by Europe, Africa and the Americas.
- Thomas Beaumont
December 2023
On trend and affordable: Athens hits the sweet spot but aims bigger
The Greek capital has rebounded from last decade’s dark economic times. Now a $13bn project hopes to cement its status as Europe’s next big thing.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Venezuelans vote to claim sovereignty over oil-rich chunk of Guyana
It remains unclear how President Nicolas Maduro will enforce the results. But Guyana considers the referendum a step towards annexation.
- Regina Garcia Cano and Jorge Rueda
November 2023
Athens home prices are surging faster than other European cities
While the end of the cheap-money era has hit buying power across Europe, a lack of housing is gaining the upper hand in more cities.
- Paul Tugwell and Ainhoa Goyeneche
Was Saudi Arabia’s World Cup win an inside job?
Australia and other potential bidders for the 2034 soccer tournament didn’t go ahead, raising questions about possible FIFA favouritism.
- Tariq Panja
October 2023
Richard Branson goes big on cruise with three $1b ships and counting
This cruise around the Greek islands invites guests to go the whole A-lister hog – from throwing tantrums to demanding of staff: “Don’t you know who I am?”
- Tony Davis
What to expect on your first Greek Islands cruise
When cruising aboard Resilient Lady in a RockStar Suite, there’s only one way to spend your daytime shore excursions: like a rock star, in dark glasses and a cap.
- Tony Davis
Avoid holiday crowds: Swim your way around Greece
A swim safari in mid-July around the Sporades archipelago – 130 kilometres north of Athens – is surprisingly uncrowded, despite taking in where Mamma Mia was filmed.
- Josephine McKenna
September 2023
- Opinion
- Global economy
China’s demand dilemma could spell trouble for the world
China’s current account surplus already runs at 2 per cent of its enormous economy. If Beijing sought to increase that it would be problematic.
- Robin Harding
An insider’s guide to travelling in Greece
Athens born and bred orchestral conductor Zoe Zeniodi goes home whenever her schedule allows. Here are her personal favourite places to dine and explore.
- Steve Meacham
August 2023
Why your overseas holiday seems more expensive than ever
The Australian dollar is down 13 per cent against the euro in 12 months as the latest Big Mac Index points to its declining purchasing power in 2023.
- Tom Richardson
July 2023
Ocean temperatures are off the charts
The Earth’s oceans have never been warmer. Every day since late March, the world’s average sea surface temperature has been well above the previous highest mark for that day.
- Tim Meko and Dan Stillman
- Opinion
- Climate policy
The climate crisis requires a wartime footing
Only by invoking the spirit of joint endeavour against a common enemy can we make the radical changes we need to get to net zero.
- Camilla Cavendish
US cools on push to send long-range missiles to Ukraine
The Biden administration has so far refused to send the long-range missiles to Ukraine; Vladimir Putin is growing more paranoid after the Wagner rebellion; a large wildfire on the Greek island forced the evacuation of two resorts. See how the day unfolded here.
- Updated
- Andrew Hobbs